a fast-paced quiz format competition for middle school students based on knowledge of science facts
The day began with a drive of sorts, about an hour and a half from Katy to College Station. Then meeting up with 15 8th grade boys and their parents to get pumped for the days events. 3 teams, multiple rounds of buzzing and rapid responses. Donuts and juice digested and off to the first round. With three teams playing I had to alternate between games. At the quarter final mark all three teams were undefeated. 32 teams total and we were definitely on a roll. Pumped up confidence and genuine smiles abound. Then as we walked up to the bracket board we realized we had to play one another. This is when it got truly interesting.
Tensions increased during lunch as the three teams sat separately eating their pizza. Strategizing on how to beat one another. During practice, they played each other all the time, they knew each others' weaknesses and strengths. They plotted and planned. I walk around listening. Awesome ideas and strategies being discussed. Then they went head to head, teams 1 and 2 with a win for team one. Pushing team two into the losers bracket, but not out of the competition. Then two rounds later team 1 and 3 had to play one another. This time team three defeating team one and placing team one into the losers bracket. Ultimately putting teams 1 and 2 into 5th and 6th place overall. Out of 32 teams that is amazing, the other schools having competed in this tournament for many years and several having gone to nationals.
That left our team 3 still in the semi-finals beating Cedar Valley and then they were in the finals against Quail Valley, a team that has gone to and won nationals a few times. A very very good team. Thus we made 2nd place overall only losing to Quail Valley. My three teams did absolutely amazing. I am so proud. Last year was our first year competing and we placed 15th so we improved tremendously. Unfortunately all three teams were comprised of 8th graders so next years teams will have to start from scratch but we will pull from our NAQT Academic Quiz Bowl team so the two will be combined. NAQT has two teams we are taking to State in April and Nationals in Dallas in May so the competition year is not over for us yet. An awesome day for sure!
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